Team Herald
MARGAO: The Arlem-Nuvem bypass, a vital artery in South Goa’s transport network, continues to lie in complete darkness due to the absence of streetlights—raising serious safety concerns for daily commuters and residents.
Despite repeated complaints, authorities have failed to act, leaving the stretch hazardous, especially for two-wheeler riders and pedestrians after sunset. Locals say the lack of illumination has turned the bypass into a nightly threat, heightening the risk of accidents and making it a haven for anti-social activities and garbage dumpers.
“This road has become very dangerous at night,” said Peter Colaco, a resident of Nuvem. “There are no streetlights at all, and with vehicles speeding by, it’s a nightmare for anyone riding a bike or walking. We’ve raised complaints, but nothing has been done so far.” The bypass is the the shortest route between Arlem and Nuvem, and caters to residents of Arlem, Fatorda, Gogol, Raia and beyond.
With no streetlights, the road's twists and turns, the shrubbery and garbage on the side become one with the inky blackness of the landscape. As a result, all oncoming motorists have their headlights on high beam, blinding each other – but not slowing down.
Menino Quadros, another local, echoed the frustration. “The authorities keep giving assurances, but the ground reality remains unchanged. This road is heavily used, and we are putting our lives at risk every day,” he said.
Commuters are particularly alarmed during the monsoon, when poor visibility and fogged-up windshields makes the situation worse. “The authorities need to wake up before something tragic happens,” said Ritesh Shirodkar, a regular user of the bypass. “Do we really have to wait for an accident or a crime for someone to act?”
To make matters worse, locals report that some chicken vendors are dumping poultry waste along the unlit stretch, attracting stray dogs and adding to the danger.Yet, the Public Works Department and local bodies remain silent, with no timeline or plan in sight for installing streetlights.
Until basic infrastructure is provided, residents and commuters are left to navigate a dark, dangerous route—waiting for the system to act before it’s too late.